LTWC Statement

LTWC operates under stringent regulations, holding permits for wildlife rehabilitation, migratory bird care, and educational animal programs. This year, due to a staff resignation, LTWC’s California Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit with the Department of Fish and Wildlife was forfeited by the departing staff member, without LTWC’s intent or desire. Under state law, once this permit is forfeited, the facility must reapply as a new operation. LTWC is in the process of securing a new permit, which we expect to receive by January 2025, allowing us to resume full operations.

While the permit application is pending, CDFW instructed that certain animals on site be raised until their release. The only animals requiring transfer were three cubs, which have already been relocated. All ambassador animals remain on the premises. LTWC is fully committed to complying with all CDFW guidelines and requirements during this time.

At LTWC, the well-being of every animal in our care is paramount. It is with profound sadness that we acknowledge a tragic incident earlier this year involving an eaglet in our care, who became the victim of a predation breach by a pack of coyotes.

This eaglet, part of a collaborative effort with wildlife experts, was being cared for with the intention of ensuring his survival and eventual release. The decision to delay her release was based on expert recommendations, allowing him to develop vital hunting skills during the kokanee salmon run in Lake Tahoe. Despite careful planning and adhering to industry standards, the predation occurred, underscoring the unpredictable challenges of wildlife rehabilitation.

It is important to note that prior to this incident, there were no reports from volunteers, staff, or others indicating potential issues or deficiencies in the facility’s infrastructure. Neither the executive director nor the board of directors were informed of any risks that might have contributed to such an event.

The eaglet’s enclosure was carefully designed, featuring high perches and nest boxes to support her development. However, as with all wild animals, wildlife behavior can be incredibly unpredictable. The eaglet, like many birds of prey, exhibited natural territorial behaviors vital for survival. In her enclosure, she demonstrated strong flying abilities but instinctively defended her space and stood her ground, as any wild animal would when feeling threatened. While these instincts are critical for survival in their natural habitat, they can present unique challenges when caring for them in a controlled environment. Wildlife behavior is complex and can be difficult to manage, even in the most secure enclosures.

At the time of the breach, our perimeter fence had multiple layers of protection, including three rows of hot wire, barbed wire, and rebar buried three feet deep. Despite these safeguards, the coyotes dug into the earth, exposed the rebar, and squeezed through a narrow gap of just 5.25 inches between the rebar, breaching the perimeter.

LTWC has long been recognized for addressing the unique challenges of urbanized wildlife in the Tahoe Basin, where human-wildlife interactions are frequent and unpredictable. Wildlife, by their very nature, are determined and will often find ways to breach barriers when least expected. Despite our best efforts, the unpredictable nature of wildlife behavior remains one of the inherent challenges of caring for wild animals. No amount of security can fully account for the drive of wildlife to explore and protect new territory when they feel the need.

We deeply regret the outcome of this incident and want to assure the public that we have taken swift action to improve our facility’s security. Since the breach, we’ve implemented significant upgrades to our infrastructure, exceeding the minimum safety standards. Our updated fencing now includes rebar extending 3 feet below ground, spaced every 2 inches, with a reinforced dig barrier that extends 8-10 inches above ground and extends 3-4 feet from the perimeter. This is anchored with U-shaped rebar. Additionally, sheet metal has been installed on any trees within 5 feet of the fence to prevent climbing attempts. We’ve also reassessed all personnel entry points, ensuring they are level by raising asphalt or adding cement where necessary. These improvements are designed to provide an even higher level of security for the animals in our care.

Wildlife rehabilitation is a complex and challenging endeavor, and we are constantly learning and evolving our practices. We want to emphasize that this was an unforeseen event, despite our best efforts to prevent it. We are committed to continually improving our protocols, infrastructure, and safety measures to ensure the well-being of the animals entrusted to us.

This year marked a critical shift in our Ambassador Animal program, emphasizing choice-based training and species-specific care. New protocols have reduced animal stress, restricted unnecessary human contact, and prioritized the animals’ well-being. These improvements required temporary adjustments, including a short period during which the Wildlife Education & Ambassador Curator served as the primary handler to establish trust and implement new procedures. Volunteers who embraced these protocols have since rejoined the program. Additionally, LTWC pursued and obtained permits for ambassador animals that were previously out of compliance due to past animal administrative oversights.

For over 45 years, LTWC has been a cornerstone of wildlife rehabilitation in our community. Over time, our practices and care have evolved to ensure that animal welfare remains our top priority. The level of care we provide today is drastically different from what it once was, and we want to make it abundantly clear that animal care has never been better.

Our approach has evolved through cutting-edge practices, evidence-based protocols, and continuous training of our dedicated team. We no longer rely on outdated methods or nutrition that failed to meet the complex needs of the animals. Instead, we provide scientifically backed diets and precisely managed supplements tailored to support the health and recovery of each individual. With a team of highly skilled wildlife care specialists, veterinarians, and volunteers, we remain at the forefront of wildlife rehabilitation, ensuring every animal receives personalized, expert care.

In 2024, our data showed a post-24-hour survival rate of 72.02% for birds and 77.25% for mammals (excluding those that did not survive the first day or arrived DOA). These statistics highlight our dedication to achieving the best outcomes for the animals entrusted to us and showcase the success of the improved care practices we’ve implemented.

At LTWC, we are proud of the strides we’ve made, and we’re dedicated to continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible for wildlife rehabilitation. The care we provide today is far more refined, specialized, and above all, focused on giving every animal the best chance to not just survive, but thrive in their natural habitat.

Euthanasia is never an easy decision at Lake Tahoe Wildlife Care. It’s a painful and traumatic process, one that is made only when an animal is suffering and beyond recovery. LTWC follows strict protocols to ensure that euthanasia is the only humane option, and it is never determined by a single individual. Decisions are made collaboratively, involving thorough evaluations by staff, consultations with experts, and guidance from veterinarians. In many cases, multiple veterinarians are consulted, along with oversight from state and federal agencies. Our approach is guided by compassion, professionalism, and a deep commitment to the welfare of the animals in our care. Contrary to rumors, no animal has ever been euthanized due to “lack of space,” “lack of funds,” or “lack of qualified personnel.” These claims are simply false.

The LTWC Board of Directors (BoD) is made up entirely of volunteers who are active members of the Tahoe community. Each board member brings valuable expertise in areas such as finance, law, marketing, wildlife conservation, and community engagement, all of which contribute to the success and growth of the organization. One of the most important structural changes at LTWC has been the intentional separation of the BoD from day-to-day operations. This adjustment has allowed staff to focus on their work without interference, reducing confusion and avoiding the challenges of “too many cooks in the kitchen.” It has also helped mitigate board member burnout and streamlined decision-making, making it more effective. The BoD remains deeply committed to LTWC’s mission, ensuring compassionate and effective governance. Their primary responsibility is to protect the fiscal, functional, and reputational integrity of the organization. In addition to overseeing the organization’s health, the BoD plays a crucial role in long-term strategic planning, fundraising, and fostering community relationships to support LTWC’s ongoing success.

LTWC is committed to excellence in hiring, ensuring that every staff member, including seasonal positions, is selected through a thorough and professional search process. This dedication to best practices in recruitment reflects LTWC’s broader commitment to elevating its standards in recent years. A prime example of this transformation is the hiring of Catherine Mendez as Executive Director. Selected through a highly competitive nationwide search that drew dozens of qualified candidates, Catherine brings over 10,000 hours of hands-on animal rehabilitation experience.

Catherine’s journey in wildlife rehabilitation started as a volunteer and intern at a wildlife center, where she worked her way up through every role, gaining deep, firsthand knowledge of all aspects of the field. This comprehensive understanding of wildlife care—from intake to rehabilitation to release—has been instrumental in her success as a leader. Catherine has successfully contributed to organizations such as Chintimini Wildlife Center, Project Wildlife, and the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, demonstrating her commitment and expertise in every position she’s held. The LTWC Board of Directors fully supports Catherine’s leadership, recognizing her invaluable contributions and vast experience in wildlife rehabilitation. Under her guidance, LTWC has made significant strides in both animal care and organizational development, positioning the center for an even brighter future. Her responsibilities have included all aspects of leading a non-profit, and she is highly regarded among her colleagues.

Volunteers are a cornerstone of LTWC, playing an essential role in nearly every aspect of the organization’s operations. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers contribute to animal husbandry, transportation, facility maintenance, enclosure upgrades, events, phone shifts, and countless other tasks. Each volunteer is encouraged to contribute in ways that align with their unique interests, talents, and experience. Their commitment and hard work are vital to our mission, and LTWC would not be able to provide the high level of care and service without the invaluable support of these individuals.

One of our most significant achievements this year has been the near-completion of our new fawn rehabilitation building, created in response to the growing need for care of orphaned and injured fawns, particularly after the retirement of a local rehabilitator. With this new facility, LTWC will be able to accommodate up to 30-35 fawns in 2025, marking a busy season ahead. We look forward to calling on volunteers to assist with this important work and encourage anyone interested to join our efforts.

Additionally, we are proud to announce that our ambassador program is now fully compliant with all regulatory standards. In the past, some of our ambassadors were found to be out of compliance, but thanks to the hard work of our team, we have secured all necessary permits and are now fully regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture. This is a major milestone, ensuring that our ambassador program adheres to the highest standards of care.

We also welcomed Kit Ellsworth, BA, CPBT-KA, a highly qualified Wildlife Education and Ambassador Curator from Cornell University, who has played a key role in refining our programs. With her background in biology and specialized certification in raptor training, Kit has enhanced our ambassador training and developing a curriculum that deepens the community’s connection to Lake Tahoe’s wildlife and environment.

LTWC is also honored to have received the Best in the Basin in Science and Innovation award from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, recognizing our commitment to excellence in wildlife care. This award reflects our leadership role and dedication to integrating the latest scientific advancements into our rehabilitation practices.

This year has also allowed us to collaborate with leading wildlife centers nationwide, ensuring our protocols align with industry best practices. These partnerships are invaluable in helping us continuously improve and provide the highest level of care for wildlife in our region.

LTWC has undergone significant transformations in 2024, implementing new policies and protocols to strengthen our operations and expand our impact. By standardizing procedures, ensuring compliance with governing agencies, and building a professional nonprofit infrastructure, we are better positioned to fulfill our mission. While progress is never without its challenges, we remain committed to upholding the highest standards of care and operation. With this dedication, we are poised to expand our operations, hire top-tier personnel, and continue providing exceptional care for the animals who need it most.

LTWC’s success in 2024 is a direct result of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and the ongoing support of our community. We are excited for the opportunities ahead and invite anyone interested in joining our mission to visit ltwc.org, sign up for our newsletters, or become a volunteer. Together, we can continue making a meaningful difference for wildlife and ensure a vibrant, healthy Lake Tahoe ecosystem for generations to come.